Mo State’s Historic 28-21 Win Over FIU, Lawrence 2 TDs

**Missouri State Makes History with Landmark 28-21 Victory Over FIU**

**SPRINGFIELD, Mo.** – Missouri State etched its name in the program’s record books Wednesday night, September 4, securing a landmark 28-21 victory over Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) opponent Florida International University (FIU) at Plaster Stadium. The triumph marked the Bears’ first-ever home win against an FBS team, electrifying a crowd of 15,322 on a historic evening for the FCS program.

The Bears, under the guidance of head coach Bobby Petrino, showcased a balanced attack and gritty defense to overcome their Conference USA foe. Quarterback Jacob Clark delivered a strong outing, throwing for 163 yards and two crucial touchdowns. However, the story of the night belonged to running back Shomari Lawrence, who exacted a measure of revenge against his former team.

Lawrence, a transfer from FIU, gashed the Panthers’ defense for 104 rushing yards and two pivotal touchdowns, including the go-ahead score in the third quarter. His powerful running and timely scores underscored the emotional significance of the matchup for the junior back.

“This is a monumental win for our program, for our university, and for our fans,” Coach Petrino stated in the post-game press conference. “Our guys played with incredible heart and never gave up. Shomari was phenomenal tonight; he ran with passion, and our offensive line opened up holes for him. Jacob made some big throws when we needed them, too.”

Missouri State (1-0) jumped out to an early lead, trading blows with the Panthers (0-1) throughout the first half. Clark connected on touchdown passes that kept the Bears competitive, showcasing an improved passing game. Lawrence’s first touchdown run extended a Missouri State lead, only for FIU to battle back.

The turning point came in the third quarter when Lawrence broke free for his second score, giving the Bears a lead they would not relinquish. The Missouri State defense, which had its back against the wall at times, rose to the occasion in crucial moments, forcing key stops and stifling FIU’s attempts to mount a late comeback.

Prior to Wednesday, Missouri State had faced FBS opponents at home on six previous occasions, going winless in those contests. This victory not only breaks that drought but also sends a clear message about the trajectory of the Bears’ program under Petrino.

FIU head coach Mike MacIntyre acknowledged the Bears’ performance. “Credit to Missouri State, they played a tough, physical game,” MacIntyre said. “We made too many mistakes and didn’t execute when it mattered most. We’ll learn from this and move forward.”

The win is a significant boost for Missouri State as they prepare for a challenging season in the Missouri Valley Football Conference. Next up for the Bears is a road trip to face Lindenwood on September 14. FIU, meanwhile, will look to rebound when they host Maine on September 14.

The historic nature of the victory against an FBS opponent is expected to resonate throughout the university and its fan base, setting a new benchmark for the Missouri State football program.